Carlson returns to Bears’ practice squad
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As anticipated, Stephen Carlson isn't leaving the Windy City.
The Jamestown native is returning to Chicago for what will be his eighth NFL season. That was made official Monday when the Bears announced their initial group of 11 player signings for their 2026 practice squad.
"I think I put together a really good camp this year," Carlson said via text message. "I stayed healthy the whole way and made a lot of plays and progressed from last season. ... It was more fun in Year Two of the offensive system and building our momentum from last season."
One of the final cuts the Bears made to reach the 53-man roster limit on Sunday, Carlson, 29, will remain part of a strong tight end group, a role he embraced last season.
"I wasn't sure how the roster would shake out," he said, "but I know I have my role of knowing everything and being able to do everything whenever I'm called upon."
According to Bears Wire, teams can carry up to 16 players on the standard practice squad, with a 17th spot available for the International Pathway Program. Furthermore, up to six players on the unit can have unlimited accrued seasons (veterans), while 10 must have two or fewer accrued seasons.
Finally, according to Windy City Gridiron, teams can elevate up to two practice squad players for each game, but they can still only have 48 players active on game day. After each game, the elevated player or players will revert to the practice squad without having to pass through waivers. A player can be elevated up to three times a season, but a fourth would require him to be signed to the 53-man active roster. If a team wants to place him back on the practice squad, it would need to release him and have him clear waivers. If that happens, the club could elevate him three more times.
With Carlson now entering his eighth pro season, it places him among the longest-tenured NFL players who are also enshrined in the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
Following are the others and their years in the league: Bill Bergey (12), Shane Conlan (9), Chuck Crist (7), Jim McCusker (7), Dave Graf (6) and Jehuu Caulcrick (3).